Why so important for the liver health of poultry？

Liver function

1. The liver is a vital organ that is involved in a wide range of functions including the metabolism of fat, carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, and minerals, removal of waste products, and detoxification. The liver is the main storage site of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, K, and E) as well as vitamin B12, glycogen, some minerals (Fe and Cu) and is also involved in the activation of vitamin D. The liver is the main site of phagocytosis by Kupffer cells, which destroy aged blood cells and pathogens that may enter via the hepatic portal blood

Similar to mammals, the liver in birds is involved in an array of metabolic and homeostatic functions and is considered a biochemical factory responsible for most of the synthesis, metabolism, excretion, and detoxification processes. It plays an important role in digestion and metabolism, regulating the production, storage, and release of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins， The liver produces a variety of proteins, including blood proteins, enzymes, hormones, clotting, and immune factors. It functions as both an endocrine and exocrine gland， In order to maintain a healthy bird, this organ should be kept in excellent condition. A better understanding of the metabolic functions and the factors that can cause disruptions in the liver is important for the production of healthy birds.

The liver is so important, but it also faces many challenges， one paper by the USDA suggests that FLHS is the number one cause of death in egg-laying hens.

Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS)?is caused by many factors working together that can include hormonal, nutritional, and even toxicological causes. This disease can affect flock members of any age. Over time fat deposits in the liver. This causes the liver to lose its structural strength and become enlarged. Once this occurs, the chicken will hemorrhage from the liver and die. This usually occurs when the hen is straining to lay an egg.

Some Causes of FLHS Include

1. high caloric intake

2. excessive fatty foods- sunflower seeds, suet

3.lack of exercise/sedentary lifestyle

4. lack of biotin and Choline chloride， bile acids in the food- this all necessary for fat metabolism

5. tainted chicken feed（such as mycotoxin and endotoxin）

6. Hereditary

7. Cold/hot stress

Treatment Options

1. Supplementing feed with 6 % oat hulls，Trying a high protein feed (up to 20% protein).

2. Adding Bile acids, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, and Inositol to their feed.

3. Feeding biotin-rich foods for proper fat metabolism

4. fish meal

5. alfalfa meal

6. Increase exercise and free-ranging

7 Limit fatty foods

Bile acids- An innovative way to prevent the fatty liver

Bile acid can stimulate the liver to produce a large amount of thin bile, assist in the emulsification, digestion, and absorption of fat, and promote the excretion of various toxins such as mycotoxins, drug toxins, biogenic amines, and metabolic toxins from the liver through bile. in addition, bile acid can also effectively decompose or combine with endotoxin, relieving the burden of the liver and making the liver in the best working condition.